Orféo

Von Gloeden, ca 1900 (private collection)

"Teach me to kiss the Dorian flute,

The Dorian pipe to blow;

I with my own breath would salute

Great Pan before I go;

And may the genius of the place

Adopt me in the shepherd race!"

So, perched on Monte Venere,

I prayed a little goat-skin boy

To leave his herd and sit by me,

And teach me all the shepherd's joy.

"What is your name?" to him I said:

"Orfèo," blithe reply he made. 

I took the flute, I took the pipe;

No reed would to my breath respond,

He laughed to see me blow, and wipe

My lips, the pretty vagabond;

Still nature's child, though notes I snatch,

Was victor in that singing match.

But I was paid when, as behooved,

I threw into his shaggy lap

The gifts by ancient time approved,

My London scarf and Naples cap;

And, as of old, the happy boy

Leaped high, and clapped his hands for joy".

George Edward Woodberry